Credit: Jeremy Thompson, FlickrWalt Disney World is in one of its biggest transformation eras ever. From new lands and revamped rides to the complete reimagining of entire sections of the parks, there’s a lot in the works right now.
If you’ve noticed more construction walls and fewer “classic” experiences sticking around, you’re not imagining it. Disney is reshaping the parks in a big way—and one of the latest changes involves saying goodbye to a beloved Star Wars attraction.
Monsters, Cars, and Mandalorians: What’s Already in Motion
Massive changes are already underway. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the area once home to Muppet Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s, and PizzeRizzo is being cleared to make room for a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land. This land will include a high-energy door coaster, themed dining, and possibly even a new theater show inspired by the hit Pixar franchise.
Meanwhile, at Magic Kingdom, the once-peaceful Rivers of America has been drained and cleared to make way for Piston Peak National Park—a land inspired by Cars and the national park aesthetic. The new land is rumored to include two rides, a family-friendly scenic tour, and a rugged off-road adventure.
And if you’re a Star Wars fan, don’t worry. Even though Launch Bay is going away, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a fresh update in 2026. The attraction will debut a new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, giving guests a new reason to pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
So What’s Happening With Galaxy’s Edge?
After nearly a decade of character meet-and-greets, prop exhibits, and video shorts, Star Wars Launch Bay is officially closing for good on September 24, 2025. Located in the Animation Courtyard, the experience opened in December 2015 to give fans something to hold onto while waiting for Galaxy’s Edge to open.
But now that Galaxy’s Edge has thrived for several years, Launch Bay feels like a leftover from a different era. Its closure creates a completely reimagined space that ties back to Disney’s animation roots.
Here’s What’s Coming Next
In place of Launch Bay, Disney is introducing a brand-new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. This isn’t a reboot of the old version—it’s something fresh and fully interactive. Guests will get to explore themed “studio departments,” meet characters from various animated films, and even draw their own versions of classic characters. One area, “Drawn to Wonderland,” is a Mary Blair–inspired play zone filled with oversized flowers, music, and bright visuals for kids and families.
The broader Animation Courtyard area will also transform into The Walt Disney Studios, styled after the real animation buildings in Burbank, California. Even the Sorcerer Hat is rumored to return, crowning the new experience with serious nostalgia.
A Quick Timeline Before the Change
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December 2015 – Star Wars Launch Bay opens in Animation Courtyard
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2019 – Galaxy’s Edge opens; Launch Bay starts seeing fewer crowds
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July 2025 – Disney announces permanent closure of Launch Bay
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September 24, 2025 – Launch Bay officially closes
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2026 – The Magic of Disney Animation debuts, along with the newly themed Walt Disney Studios courtyard
From the Past to Pixar and Beyond
Disney World is moving full-speed ahead into a new era of themed lands and storytelling. While losing a familiar space like Star Wars Launch Bay is always bittersweet, the future looks incredibly bright. With Monsters, Inc. thrills, Cars-style adventures, and a reimagined animation experience on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be a Disney fan—especially one who loves seeing what’s next.